It’s hard to believe this September marks the 14th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on our country. Our hearts still break for those that lost their lives in this tragedy, including 343 firefighters, 70 law enforcement officers and 9 EMTs.
On Saturday, September 5, 2015, the annual Dallas Memorial Stair Climb is being held at Reunion Tower. During this yearly memorial, local firefighters, police officers and EMTs come together to climb the 110 stories of the tower, each wearing the name and photo of the fallen hero they are climbing for.
“On the morning of September 11th 2001, thousands of New York’s Bravest and Finest responded to the terrorist attacks in order to perform the largest rescue and high-rise firefighting operation in history.
Upon their arrival firefighters climbed the stairs of the 110 story buildings in their forty to sixty pounds of personal protective gear PLUS twenty to thirty pounds of additional firefighting equipment. Law Enforcement Officers responded right there beside them.
The most poignant connection to their story occurs when we climb because they climbed.
Witnessing the event provides spectators (family, friends and the general public) both an inspiring experience and intense reminder of the sacrifice, dedication and commitment required of those who serve and protect their communities around the world.” (Sourced from dallasstairclimb.com)
The stair climbing is also accompanied by other symbolic events, such as choreographed timing to the 9/11 events, a Table of Honor display set up in the building lobby, a traditional 5-5-5 Bell Ceremony to honor the fallen, PASS Device Sounding (Fire Fighter’s Distress Alarms) at time of tower collapses, and an Accountability Board at the top of the tower – where each climber will place the tag of the fallen hero and ring a bell, signifying that he or she made it to the top.
The entire event will be a powerful, inspirational, and emotional memorial to the heroes that lost their lives trying to save others during the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
While the stair climbing is reserved for the public safety officers, volunteers are needed to help the event run smoothly. There are a variety of positions with diverse commitment and responsibility levels – from working the water station to being an event photographer. You can find out more about the available positions and register as a volunteer here.
Please visit the Dallas 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb website for more information, history, and photos.
We hope you’ll consider being a part of this life-changing memorial event to give honor to those that paid the ultimate price in their heroic line of duty!
Warm Regards,
Mike
